Rick - I've been using a cheap software package called "Cakewalk Scorewriter." I am one of those computer users who think "if ya have to read the manual it's bad software" - and "if I can't figure it out from the screens and maybe and occasionalpeak at a help menu, I ain't ineterested." Well this software package is that simple; even an undisciplined user like me can figure it out.

It will play back. You can pick up midi files from the Web and it will score them for you (ie. decompose other people's elaborate scores). It will accept a midi keyboard (or other midi device) input to create scores. I simply use it to create melody line, lyrics and to label the Chords above the staff. I do not use a midi device, but create and edit the score by pointing and clicking with the mouse. I have to say it is easy!!

I am sure some of the othere packages mentioned here are just as good, or better. I suspect if you chose one and learned it, you'd be an expert in no time. Good luck!